The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has expressed his willingness to consider a new agreement with the United States, which would involve a 100-day halt to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in exchange for an expansion of satellite capabilities for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The initiative was proposed by Republican US senators during a visit to Kyiv. The proposal came following restrictions on the operation of the Starlink military satellite communications system and a deterioration in relations between Kyiv and Washington.
- Zelenskyy is considering a 100-day pause in strikes against Russia’s energy sector.
- The proposal was put forward by US Republican senators.
- In return, Ukraine is set to gain greater satellite capabilities through Starlink.
- The initiative also concerns access to data on Russian launch sites.
The US has proposed a new agreement to Zelenskyy regarding Starlink
According to The Wall Street Journal, US Republican senators Roger Vicker from the State of Mississippi and Kevin Kramer from North Dakota visited Kyiv on 9 October, accompanied by two members of the House of Representatives. During their visit, the American lawmakers held meetings with Ukrainian representatives from the defence sector, after which they proposed to the President To Volodymyr Zelenskyy A possible compromise.
The essence of the proposal is a temporary suspension of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure for 100 days in exchange for an expansion of Ukraine’s satellite capabilities. In particular, this would include access to data on Russian launch sites.
According to the publication, Zelenskyy is open to considering this option. However, the article published by the WSJ does not constitute an official statement by the US administration.
Why access to Starlink has become a subject of negotiations
The proposal by US lawmakers came in the wake of problems with satellite communications experienced by the Ukrainian military over the past few days.
On 14 October, it emerged that there were new operational restrictions Starlink military terminals, which are used for communication and to control drones. These have proved particularly significant for drones travelling at high speeds.
The restrictions have affected both strike operations and the deployment of certain Ukrainian interceptor drones.
Elon Musk He explained that the Starshield military system is controlled by the US government, and that decisions regarding restrictions on its use are taken by the relevant government bodies. The order to restrict Starshield came from the White House.
Ukraine has already resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries
New proposals regarding satellite communications have emerged following the end of a brief lull in Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refining infrastructure.
15 October: Zelenskyy said. In an interview with the Financial Times, he stated that Ukraine had refrained from attacking Russian energy facilities for three days at Washington’s request. However, during this period, Russia continued to strike Ukrainian power stations, residential buildings and other civilian targets. Following this, the Ukrainian president announced the end of the unilateral ceasefire. On the same day, it emerged that Ukraine had struck an oil refinery in the Ryazan region of Russia.
Have the Americans resumed Starlink services for Ukraine?
The Starlink and Starshield satellite services, which had previously been restricted, have resumed full functionality.
The restoration of communications does not necessarily mean that Ukraine has gained additional opportunities to use satellite systems beyond the previously established restrictions. That is precisely why the new proposal from US senators may concern not only the stable operation of terminals, but also the expansion of access to data and satellite capabilities that Ukraine requires.
